Kunlun is a mid-size crossover, similar in size to the Nissan X-Trail and Skoda Kodiaq
It’s good that instead of the generic “Pro” or “Max” prefixes, the name has the catchy word “Kunlun”. Sounds very Chinese, you say? That’s right: Kunlun is a mountain range in western China, one of the most impressive with its highest point at 7,723 meters. The name is evocative, and the design is quite appealing, so it remains to be seen if the substance will match the form, and if the car’s quality will live up to the height of the Kunlun mountain range?
The design of the car was developed by Italians, former employees of Pininfarina
Among the numerous subsidiary brands of Chery, Kaiyi stands out. Originally, the Chinese holding created its predecessor, the Cowin brand, in 2014, but then sold most of the shares; the company underwent rebranding, and now Kaiyi is an independent company. However, it still works closely with Chery, having access to its technologies, so technically, the Kunlun is in many ways a rehash of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. But there are also differences, and summarizing the test drive, I’ll highlight the following: compared to the Chery line, the Kaiyi X7 Kunlun relies on family values. With similar dimensions, it has a spacious interior, a smoother ride, and a more powerful engine. However, it does not have all-wheel drive, and the handling is bland, though this drawback is a consequence of one of the advantages. Now, let’s dive into the details.
This is what the new Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson might probably look like
You open the door, and the interior is finished in light and blue leather – a kind of representative of the Navi tribe among crossovers. The leather, of course, is artificial (no Navis were harmed in the making), and the interior design is original, as is the style of the body. The driving position behind the wheel is comfortable, the interior organization is logical, though most of the secondary functions are controlled by the 15-inch tablet, which is already present in the base configuration. The display’s sensitivity is average; when using it while driving, you have to double-check whether you pressed the button. Kaiyi tried to solve this issue by adding a climate control panel on the display’s “chin”, but the buttons are also touch-sensitive, so the complaints remain the same. It’s particularly surprising that the hazard warning lights were also placed here, making it quite a hassle to thank truck drivers who let you merge onto the acceleration lane. Do they really only turn on the hazard warning lights in China in the event of an accident? And the engine start button on the steering wheel looks completely exotic: at the very least, it is unusual.
The driving position and the organization of the workspace are beyond reproach
The picture from the cameras is large, so parking is convenient. But the overall visibility from the car is poor: the wide front pillars interfere
The robotic transmission selector is mouse-like and fits comfortably in the hand
There is no projection display, so the speedometer is displayed on the digital instrument panel. The tachometer, in the Chinese manner, shows the frequency in fractional numbers (in thousands of revolutions)
The Kaiyi X7 Kunlun is not a very large crossover: with a length of 4710 mm, it’s a centimeter shorter than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the same amount larger than the Skoda Kodiaq. But it’s surprisingly roomy, and I note this separately because for Chinese cars, the ratio of external dimensions and interior space is often a problem. Thanks to the wheelbase stretched to 2.8 meters, there’s plenty of space in the second row and the trunk. The latter only lacks the “Skoda” toolkit for securing cargo: there aren’t even pockets. And the stretched wheelbase affected the turning radius, and when maneuvering in tight turns, you need to be mindful of the “bend” of the central part. By the way, the “Kunlun” is also quite wide, nearly two meters, which is good for passengers but noticeable on narrow roads.
The rear seats are very spacious, including in width. Their heating (as well as the front ones) is in the basic version. The salons are exclusively five-seater, although the Tiggo 8 Pro Max and the similar Jetour X90 Plus also offer seven-seaters.
The trunk volume is 546 liters. For comparison, the Skoda Kodiaq had 10% more, but in any case the result is decent. The threshold is flat, the loading area is large, but there are not enough pockets or niches on the sides – there is nothing to fix a five-liter bottle. Under the floor – an organizer for tools and a spare tire. A full-size spare tire does not fit, because the wheels here are 20 inches in diameter.
The Kunlun is soft. Whether on rough asphalt or dirt roads, the suspension effectively isolates the interior from the bumps. You only need to be mindful of the rocking motion that occurs on sequential bumps. The setup is somewhat reminiscent of American cars, which also tend to prioritize comfort. Add to this good sound insulation, logical operation of the climate control, electronic assistants such as adaptive cruise control – the “Kunlun” maintains its emphasis on comfort in all aspects.
On bad roads, the Kunlun pleases with vibration comfort, but is prone to rocking
The downside is the lackluster handling. The steering wheel has low sensitivity, practically around zero, and the feedback settings don’t make much of a difference: in the end, I chose the lightest setting, because the artificially light steering wheel isn’t helpful in any way. In fast turns, once the car is already on the arc, feedback does appear on the steering wheel, but the issue lies more in the transition phases. The transition from braking to turning is blurred, the tires squeal quite early, rolls are noticeable, and overall, the car’s responses are softened and not always clear. On the plus side, we can say that the stability system works well, trying to suppress understeer when the front wheels slip. But the Kunlun is one of those cars you won’t be seeking out an empty mountain road to push to its limits. And it doesn’t need that. Perhaps the fighter-jet-inspired design raises expectations too high, but in reality, it’s a peaceful performer.
There are two turbo engines to choose from, with a power output of 186 hp or 238 hp.
The powertrain options are the same as those for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro: two turbocharged engines with a volume of 1.6 or 2 liters paired with a seven-speed “robot” from Getrag. While the power output of the smaller engines in both models is identical, 186 hp, the output of the larger ones differs: 197 hp for Chery and 238 hp for Kaiyi. But the engine’s torque is the same (up to 375 Nm), as is the acceleration time of approximately 8+ seconds. The test car had the more powerful engine, and there are no issues with acceleration: it’s linear, predictable, and quite convenient for overtaking trucks and other slow-moving vehicles. But the robotic transmission does occasionally draw attention. This gearbox is well-known from dozens of Chinese models, and though most of the time it works unnoticed, in challenging conditions, you can feel its nervousness.
We managed to get to the top of one of the mountains on Kunlun, but not the highest one. It is too early to dream regarding storming Kunlun
For instance, when climbing uphill at low speed, the automatic clutch, when engaged, sometimes creates a feeling of weightlessness, as if the car is regarding to roll backward (it doesn’t, but the sensation lingers). It happens that when pulling away, the revs suddenly jump up, as if a driving student is holding the clutch pedal depressed for too long. And overall, the robot still lacks smoothness when starting from a standstill, although this is a universal complaint: I can’t recall a “Chinese” vehicle with an ideal transmission. Add to this the operation of the anti-skid system, which keeps the car in check, preventing wheelspin and further dulling the acceleration in the initial phase. Generally, the engine’s power becomes noticeable at higher speeds, and in stoplight races, the car feels hesitant. Maybe this is how it’s supposed to be? Perhaps. But sometimes, maneuvering in dense traffic, you want to give the car a jolt with the throttle, but it doesn’t like this abruptness. The main thing here is not to make the passengers sick.
There is no all-wheel drive. The car in the background doesn’t either.
There are also questions regarding off-road capability, and the main issue is the lack of all-wheel drive. We attempted to climb Kunlun to Bald Hill in Karabash: the road here is bumpy, the incline is significant. Initially, the car crawled up well, relying on large wheels, high torque, and the help of electronics. But then a ditch appeared ahead. Ideally, you need to drive through it at speed, but the car would definitely dip and scrape its luxurious bumper. And at low speed, the wheels were spinning intermittently, the electronics tried to control their rotation, but in three attempts, the car stopped each time, choked by the electronic bridle. With the ESP turned off, the result is the same: the suspension lacks travel, the tires lack grip, and the car lacks all-wheel drive. The previously mentioned gearbox operation, which doesn’t really like being pushed hard, doesn’t help matters: it’s not easy to be precise with the throttle here. Therefore, let’s agree that the Kunlun is a light station wagon with good ground clearance: a claimed 210 mm.
In the Russian hinterland, the car feels quite confident due to its large clearance. The main thing is not to run into a soggy dirt road
In terms of pricing, upon entering the market, Kaliningrad Kaiyi offered a significant discount compared to the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, but following several adjustments, this difference became less noticeable. The base Kaiyi X7 Kunlun costs regarding three million rubles, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max – 3.2 million. The trim levels in both cases are immediately rich, but, for example, the most affordable Kunlun only has air conditioning in the base, and dual-zone climate control appears in the second trim level for 3.325 million. There is one version with a two-liter engine, for 3.475 million, and here the difference with Chery is more noticeable, because in its case such an engine comes complete with all-wheel drive: such a combination costs from 3.9 million rubles. Their positioning is best demonstrated in the example of the versions for 3.5 million rubles: for this money you can buy the identically equipped Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Kaiyi X7 Kunlun, but the latter will have a more powerful two-liter engine.
The cost of the car starts from three million rubles. In the basic configuration: LED headlights, panoramic roof, all-round visibility system, heated seats, air conditioning, a set of electronic assistants, artificial leather seat upholstery, four airbags
Among other competitors, it is worth mentioning the Geely Atlas, which with a 2-liter 200-horsepower engine paired with a robotic gearbox costs from 3.2 million rubles. All-wheel drive versions come with a hydromechanical automatic and cost from 3.4 million. The Haval Dargo is more compact and has a less spacious trunk, but otherwise, it also seems like an interesting vehicle for travel: the base version with front-wheel drive costs from 3.05 million, all-wheel drive – from 3.25 million. It also features a 2-liter engine and a robotic gearbox. Let’s not forget regarding other relatives of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, in particular, the Jetour X90, though it’s larger due to the extended wheelbase. The price starts at 3.4 million rubles for the version with a 1.6-liter engine and from 3.72 million for two-liter cars, but all-wheel drive is not available.
Kunlun expands its range of Tiger-like machines towards greater family appeal
And ultimately, we get a car with an emphasis on comfort: there’s spacious interior, soft suspension, and good equipment. As for the robotic gearbox settings and boring handling, name another Chinese car that has these sorted out. These are universal “China industry” problems that make you fondly remember the same Kodiaq or Tiguan: the Chinese have yet to reach their level, though this becomes apparent if you approach the car with the discerning eye of an automotive gourmand who finds fault with every detail. If you don’t nitpick and don’t raise the bar to the height of Kunlun, the Kaiyi X7 seems like a well-balanced car, one you’d want to drive far in. However, it’s best suited for paved roads.
Sales began in February 2024, so it is difficult to see the model on the streets for now.
We previously reviewed the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, as well as its hybrid version. Chery cars are produced in Russia under the Xcite brand, and a close relative, the Jetour Dashing, is assembled in Kaliningrad.
Kaiyi X7 Kunlun: A Comfortable Chinese Crossover
The Kaiyi X7 Kunlun is a mid-size crossover that aims to compete with established players like the Nissan X-Trail and Skoda Kodiaq. It boasts a unique design, a spacious interior, and a focus on comfort, but does it live up to its namesake, the imposing Kunlun mountain range in western China?
Design and Interior
The Kaiyi X7 Kunlun’s design was crafted by Italian designers, former employees of Pininfarina, and it exudes a modern, athletic aesthetic. The interior is light and airy, utilizing blue leather on the seats (although artificial, not real leather). The dashboard layout is logical, featuring a 15-inch touchscreen display as the central control point even in the base model.
While the display is large, its touch sensitivity might be improved, requiring double taps for confirmation. This issue is exacerbated by the touchscreen climate control panel located beneath the screen. The placement of the hazard warning lights on this panel also seems unusual, and the engine start button on the steering wheel feels oddly exotic, taking a bit of getting used to.
Spacious Interior and Roomy Trunk
Despite its relatively compact size (4710 mm in length, slightly shorter than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro), the Kaiyi X7 Kunlun offers impressive interior space thanks to its stretched wheelbase (2.8 meters). Passengers in the second row will appreciate ample legroom and generous width. The trunk boasts a capacity of 546 liters, though it lacks the practical storage pockets and compartments found in the Skoda Kodiaq.
Comfort-Focused Driving
The Kaiyi X7 Kunlun prioritizes ride comfort. The suspension effectively isolates the cabin from road imperfections, providing a smooth and plush ride, even on rough surfaces. While the suspension is soft, it can result in some body roll on consecutive bumps. The overall driving experience echoes the comfort found in American vehicles, with a relaxed and comfortable disposition.
Underwhelming Handling
While comfort is a priority, the Kunlun’s handling takes a backseat. The steering wheel feels lacking in sensitivity and feedback. Despite adjustable settings, the steering response remains somewhat artificial and uninspiring. This lack of feedback is especially noticeable during transitions, with the car lacking precision in tight corners and exhibiting noticeable body roll.
Powertrain Options
The Kaiyi X7 Kunlun shares its powertrain options with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro – two turbocharged engines: a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter, both paired with a seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission. The 1.6-liter engine produces 186 horsepower in both models, while the 2.0-liter boasts 197 horsepower for the Chery and 238 horsepower for the Kaiyi. Despite the power disparity, acceleration times are similar, around 8 seconds.
While the gearbox is generally unobtrusive, it can display some nervousness in certain driving situations, such as hill climbs at low speeds, where it can create a sense of hesitation or even a slight feeling of rolling backward. It also displays occasional jumps in revs during takeoff, similar to those seen with inexperienced drivers.
Limited Off-Road Prowess
The lack of all-wheel drive significantly hampers the Kaiyi X7 Kunlun’s off-road capabilities. While its ample ground clearance (210 mm) allows it to tackle light terrain, any attempt at more demanding off-road situations will quickly reveal its limitations. The suspension, lacking sufficient travel, and the lack of grip from the front wheels make even mild obstacles challenging. The transmission’s reluctance to perform under strain further compounds these issues.
Competitive Pricing
Upon its release, the Kaiyi X7 Kunlun was offered at a discount compared to the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, but this price difference has since narrowed. The base model starts around three million rubles, with more luxurious trims exceeding 3.5 million rubles. For a similar price, you can purchase the similarly equipped Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, but the Kaiyi X7 Kunlun benefits from a more powerful engine. Other competitors in the market include the Geely Atlas, Haval Dargo, and Jetour X90, all offering compelling features within a similar price range.
The Verdict: A Comfort-Focused Crossover
The Kaiyi X7 Kunlun is a comfortable family crossover with a spacious interior, a well-equipped cabin, and a smooth ride. While its handling lacks refinement and off-road capabilities are limited due to the absence of all-wheel drive, its overall offering is still compelling for those seeking a comfortable and spacious vehicle at an attractive price point. It’s important to consider your specific needs and driving habits before making a decision. If you prioritize comfort, a spacious cabin, and value for money, the Kaiyi X7 Kunlun might prove to be a suitable choice.
